Here’s why you should use PurplePort for your shoot communications

We strongly recommend keeping your shoot communications on PurplePort so we can see all the evidence available and support you as swiftly and best possible if things go wrong. 

Replying to messages on PurplePort will not affect your 'new message' quota, so even if you have a free account, you can easily continue your shoot discussions on PurplePort.

Key reasons for using PurplePort for your shoot communications

Shoot disputes can be resolved quickly

Sometimes, things go wrong on a shoot. We don't take sides. Instead, we look at the evidence and make a decision. Keeping your communications on PurplePort means we have access to key evidence that will enable us to take action.

Swift action can be taken on inappropriate messages or requests

Once in a while, you may receive a message or request from a PurplePort member that you feel is inappropriate and needs to be reported.

Keeping your communications on PurplePort means that you can easily report it, and we can act swiftly. The quickest way to report a message on PurplePort is to view the message and click Report (under the message)

You can leave a short-notice cancellation or no-show 

We know how disappointing it is when someone you arrange a shoot with cancels at short notice or does not show up. While there could be genuine reasons for this, which may be due to unforeseen circumstances outside of someone's control (e.g. car breakdown, other job commitments, illness, etc.), it doesn't change the reality that the other creatives involved in the shoot will be negatively impacted. 

If your communications on PurplePort show that your shoot was a confirmed booking (and ideally, show that the other person cancelled or did not show up), you can use our referencing system to reflect your experience by leaving a Cancelled with less than 72 hours notice or Did not show up reference (whichever is appropriate).

You won't need to worry if the other person disputes the reference; we'll be able to see evidence of the booking and cancellation from your shoot communications on PurplePort and that you left them an appropriate reference, so the reference won't be deleted.

What to do if shoot communications take place off PurplePort

There are some reasons to contact someone offsite, and we understand that sometimes shoot discussions may need to happen off PurplePort, such as:

• speak to someone offsite as part of your due diligence process (e.g. phone, email, social media, etc.)
• if you are sending funds in advance for a photoshoot (e.g. a shoot deposit, payment, travel fees, etc.), you may require another contact method (e.g. phone, email, etc.)
• exchange phone numbers with someone you have booked a photoshoot (with in case of an emergency, such as if you get lost or your car breaks down on the way to the shoot)

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to discuss something outside of PurplePort, we strongly recommend that you send a message to that person on PurplePort summarising or repeating what has been discussed or agreed upon offsite (ideally, ask them to reply on PurplePort to acknowledge your message). This allows us to see a record of your shoot communications so we can best support you if things go wrong. 

When shoot communications take place elsewhere, and there is no record of these discussions on PurplePort, we have no verifiable evidence to investigate an issue. This means, sadly, we cannot fully assist you and help resolve a situation.

FAQs

What if I want to send images to someone on PurplePort? 

Image collections are an easy way to gather inspiring images on PurplePort (uploaded by other members) that you can use as a mood board for your photoshoot and share with someone. You can also add images from somewhere online (e.g. a website, social media, etc.). to any of your casting calls, events, messages, shoot plans, and most other places on PurplePort. 

What if I want to send images to someone who is not on PurplePort?

There are plenty of places you can host images. DropBox has a generous free allowance, and you can send a sharing link to anyone, even if they don't have a Dropbox account.

What should I do if someone asks to take communications off PurplePort (e.g. email, phone, text, social media, etc.)?

If you prefer to keep discussions on PurplePort (which we suggest, especially for pre-shoot communications), tell them you want to keep everything on PurplePort as it's the main platform you use for arranging photoshoots. You could also add that it's confusing to have conversations scattered over many services. 

However, if you do take shoot communications off PurplePort, we strongly recommend that you send a message to that person on PurplePort summarising or repeating what has been discussed or agreed upon offsite (ideally, ask them to reply on PurplePort to acknowledge your message), so we can see this evidence if you ever need a shoot dispute resolved. You could also keep a record of what you discuss as part of your due diligence and use it to remind you about crucial information for your shoot. 

Should I swap phone numbers with someone?

Exchanging phone numbers (e.g. in case of an emergency) usually happens only after a shoot is arranged (rather than used to arrange a shoot), but some people may use a phone conversation as part of their due diligence process. This should only be done if you feel comfortable doing so, and you could use a cheap pay-as-you-go phone to arrange photoshoots (and treat it as your work phone).

If you talk over the phone, we strongly recommend that you repeat or summarise key points from communications in a message to that person on PurplePort so you can provide us with evidence if you ever need a shoot dispute resolved.

Is this a way to make everyone upgrade to PurplePort VIP?

No, not at all! Replying to messages on PurplePort will not affect your 'new message' quota, so if you have a free account, you can easily continue your shoot discussions on PurplePort.

I have a free account. Can I still reply to messages?

Yes, you can! Replying to messages on PurplePort will not affect your 'new message' quota.

I'm stuck and need help. What can I do? 

We're here to help. You can contact us anytime by creating a support ticket from our Help & Support page.